The Combine

A combine is a harvester used by farmers to reap grain crops. I do not even believe that McMurphy is vulnerable.  I think he has an advantage to get away from the figurative combine because he can use his head.  The other patients are already sucked in and always drugged up but McMurphy is like a mentos in a diet coke.  All he has to do is remain himself and continue to function on his own and the combine will not get to him.  It has not already gotten to him because he constantly defies Big Nurse and the everyday rules of the institution.

I do not believe every institution is a combine.  A combine only goes as far as their are people who do not think for themselves.  IF you think for yourself and are a leader than you can counteract the combine.  Some institutions are but there is always rebellion and people who will not accept order.